ABSTRACT
Pile supported embankments have been constructed in Malaysia in soft ground areas. The success of the construction is mixed; it is successful with piles smaller than 300mm diameter but failure occurred when piles from 400mm to 500mm sizes were employed. The Swedish Method of design is adequate for the smaller piles provided that horizontal forces are catered for, the Method is inadequate for the larger piles as it results in spacings on the high side. Various models representing pile supported embankment behaviour are reviewed. A preferred design method based on the stone column analogy model is then proposed catering for the larger size pile supports.
